The Best of Bavaria

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2018 marks a special year for the German federal state of Bavaria as the state celebrates not just one, but TWO anniversaries! The 200th anniversary of the enactment of the Bavarian Constitution which was created and imposed on the then-monarchy as well as the 100th year of the existence of the Free State of Bavaria! With two special anniversaries, I thought what better way to celebrate than to showcase some of the top destinations to visit in Bavaria!

Best Cities to Visit in Bavaria! PIN IT FOR LATER!!

The history of Bavaria stretches all the way back to the Paleolithic era with Roman settlements scattered throughout the state, with the Roman center of administration being right here in Regensburg. Over the following centuries, the region grew into a duchy before being included into the Holy Roman Empire followed by the formation of an independent kingdom with the Wittelbach dynastyruling from 1180-1918 without interruption. Later in 1795 Napoleon invaded Bavaria where he was welcomed in Munichbut eventually laid siege to Ingolstadt.

Fast forward to the beginning of the 19th century, a revolution took place and by May 26, 1818 the Constitution of the Kingdom of Bavaria was proclaimed by Maximilian I Joseph with both the parliamentary and constitutional monarchy lasting until November 1918 when it was declared a republic or “state”. Later becoming a constituent member of the German Empire by 1870 only to be completely dissolved by the Nazi Third Reich, followed by a post-war reconstruction period and becoming a new federal state as part of West Germany. Finally, once East and West Germany were reunited, Bavaria became one of the 16 states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Today, Bavaria is the largest state with 13 million people.

So, in celebration, I’m sharing with you the best of Bavaria!

Abensberg

Just a 30 minute drive away from Regensburg, is a small village practically unheard of, however Abensberg is quickly becoming a top tourist hot spot in Bavaria. Located in the town, a traditional brewery, Kuchlbauer Brewery, founded in 1300 made an adjustment to their historic Weissbier brewery in 2010 by adding the Hundertwasser Tower (Hundertwasserturm), a very futuristic-looking tower designed by the Austrian artist Friedrich Hundertwasser which simultaneously incorporates both mankind and nature beautifully. The brewery is a popular destination to visit in summer for its pleasant biergarten which wraps around the base of the tower, while in the winter, one of the most unique Christmas Markets replaces the biergarten. The village town center itself though is also worth a peak with its colorful array of houses and bunting strung throughout the town. (More on Abensberg here)

Augsburg

Not far from Munich is a town that is easily overlooked for more popular towns in Bavaria. Augsburg is the third largest town in Bavaria, as well as one of the oldest. As early as 15 BC, this was the site of a Roman camp. It grew to be one of the richest towns until the Thirty Years’ War ended their prosperity. It’s also one of many towns found along the Romantic Road that runs fromWürzburg to Füssen. During the Second World War, Augsburg was heavily destroyed on February 24th & 25th, 1944 and almost everything has been meticulously reconstructed to its former glory. Of interest here, is the incredible City Hallwhich dominates the Rathausplatz and whose Golden Hall is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before! (More on Augsburg here)

Bamberg

With 1,000 years of history, excellent beer and a UNESCO World Heritage site title, Bambergis a top destination to visit in Bavaria! But before all that, history was kind to the medieval town of Bamberg in terms that it escaped damage during the Thirty Years’ War and was spared the destruction of the Second World War unlike so many other cities in Germany. Therefore, it’s one of the best preserved cities in all of Bavaria with a stunning City Halllocated in the middle of an island between the Regnitz River as well as having a ton of picture perfect half-timbered houses! There are many things to do in Bamberg and it’s also often named the “beer capital of Bavaria” and while here be sure to try the Rauchbier (Smoked Beer)! (More on Bamberg here)

Bayreuth

Synonymous with Richard Wagner, Bayreuth is a city in Bavaria vastly underrated but which holds significant importance to classical music lovers. Bayreuth owes its charm and appeal to the daughter of Friedrich Wilheim I of Prussia, Wilhelmine, who was groomed to marry into the British royal family, but whose plans had been thwarted resulting in her marriage into a minor royal family. Lacking any worldly sophistication, she brought London to her by undertaking an extravagant building program resulting in some of the loveliest 18th century Baroque buildings in Bavaria. While the Baroque Residenzstadt is impressive, its the Opera House that is her lasting legacy and is today one of Europe’s most beautiful Baroque theaters which has just been extensively renovated. And finally, just a 5 minute drive away is the Hermitage (Bayreuth Eremitage), a lovely park and castle built so that Margrave George Wilhelm and his court could live a more simple life and of importance here is the crescent shaped Orangerie known as the Neues Schloss. (More on Bayreuth here)

Berchtesgaden

Located at the southernmost point of Germany, near the Austrian border, Berchesgaden is home to the third largest mountain in the country, the Watzmann. The area has been of importance as far back at 1102 from the nearby salt mines. During the Napoleonic era, the area was ceded to Austria, as Salzburg was always interested in this region. Under the Wittelbachs rule, the region was transferred back to Bavaria at which time it became increasingly popular with the royal family. Prior to WWII, Hitler enjoyed this region so much he bought a house here, as well as many other top Nazi officials. After the war, the region became a US military zone until 1995 when it was finally handed back to Bavaria. Today, it’s once of the most breathtaking regions of Bavaria, including one of the most pristine lakes, Königssee! (More on Berchtesgaden here)

Chiemsee & Schloss Herrenchiemsee

With the stunning Alps in the backdrop, Chiemseeis one of the loveliest lakes in Bavaria and often referred to as the Bavarian Sea and is one of the top day trips from Munich. While the shimmering lake is expansive, it’s most popular attraction here is the third of “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria’s castles, Herrenchiemsee Palace, which can only be reached via boat and located on the Herreninsel. King Ludwig II was quite fascinated by King Louis XIV of France aka the “Sun King” and built this palace as a replica of the Palace of Versailles in his honor, therefore, it’s often referred to as the “Bavarian Versailles”. Unfortunately, by the time of his death, the palace was still incomplete and sections of it were knocked down. (More on Chiemsee & Herrenchiemsee Palace here)

Dinkelsbühl

As one of three towns in Bavaria still completely encircled by Medieval walls, Dinkelsbühl, located in the Central Franconian region of Bavaria along Germany’s Romantic Road, is yet another medieval gem. Though it lacks all the pomp and charm of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, it is nonetheless a fairy tale book town with its perfectly preserved medieval fortifications, having escaped WWII without a scratch! If you’re looking for an alternative to Rothenburg ob der Tauber’s crowds, then a stroll around the rather quaint-sized town of Dinkelsbühl will be a pleasant surprise and a walk around the medieval walls is an absolute must! (More on Dinkelsbühl here)

Ettal & Schloss Linderhof

Nestled in a narrow gap of a mountainous region between Oberammergau and Oberau, the tiny village of Ettal is overwhelmingly dominated by the impressive Benedictine abbey, Ettal Abbey (Kloster Ettal) founded in 1330. The outside has an stunning Baroque appearance while the inside has magnificent frescoes and chandeliers. While here, pick up some of the abbey’s famed Ettaler Kloster Liqueur. Just a few minutes drive away is yet another opulent castle, Linderhof Palace, built by “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was the only of his three romantic palaces which he lived long enough to see completed and which he lived a rather hermit-like life in. (More on Ettal & Schloss Linderhof here)

Landsberg am Lech

Located along the Romantic Road, the handsome town of Landsberg am Lech is a lovely stopover if you’re heading down to the Alps. Located between Augsburg and Füssen, it’s has a simple but pleasant ambiance without the crowds. What easily draws visitors here is the beautiful Lechwehr cascading down the river, as well as a few other notable sights to see. The town dates back to 1160 when Henry the Lion built his castle here, but the towns is more renowned as being the town where Hitler was imprisonedfollowing his attempted 1923 Beer Hall Putsch in Munich. It was here that he wrote his vile Mein Kampf. (More on Landsberg am Lech here)

Miltenberg

Near the border of Bavaria in Lower Franconia along the River Main not far from Würzburg, is the picturesque half-timbered town of Miltenberg. Located along the German Timber-frame Road (Deutsches Fackwekstrasse), Miltenberg is “the Pearl of the Main” with over 150 historic timber-frame houses and a quaint population of just 9,000 people! Of importance here, is the Hotel zum Riesen (The Giant), Germany’s oldest inn, dating back to at least 1411 and has been in continuous use ever since! Now that’s impressive! Elvis Presley has even stayed here! (More on Miltenberg here)

Mittenwald

Considered to be Germany’s “living picturebook” by Goethe, Mittenwald is a picturesque mountain resort near the border between Germany and Austria and a perfect day trip from Zugspitze, Germany’s highest peak. The town is a vibrant color book with Lüftmalerei (frescoes) on the outer facades of many buildings in town, including the Parish Church of St. Peter and Paul. Nearby, is a magical enchanted forest, the Leutasch Spirit Gorge(Leutascher Geisterklamm), an easy hike for the whole family, making for the perfect day trip from Munich! During the winter, Mittenwald offers some of the best skiing options in the Bavarian Alps. (More on Mittenwald and Leutasch Spirit Gorge here)

Munich

As the capital of Bavaria, it’s clearly the most populated city in the state! The name “Munich” derives from the world Munichen, meaning “by the monks” who established a monastery here which later evolved into the Old Town of Munich and was first mentioned in 1158. Once Bavaria was established as a sovereign kingdom in 1806, the house of Wittelbach made the Residenztheir seat of power until they were forced to abdicate in 1918. It was here that Hitler’s Beer Hall Putsch (coup) took place. During WWII, Munich was heavily bombed and 90% of its historic city center was destroyed, but has been beautifully restored. Today, the capital is a city hustling and bustling with museums, universities, theaters, biergartens and sooo much more! (More on Munich here)

Nuremberg

Located in the Franconian region of Bavaria, Nuremberg(Nürnberg) is the second largest city in the state, dating back to at least 1050. The city is often referred to as the ‘unofficial capital’ of the Holy Roman Empire mostly because of the fact that Imperial Diets often met at the Kaiserburg (Nuremberg Castle). In the 14th century, it became one of the three most important cities in the Emprie as it was named as the city where newly elected kings of Germany must hold their first Imperial Diet. During the Nazi era, Nuremberg held importance significance to the party because of its links to the Holy Roman Empire and therefore huge Nazi rallies were held here. Of importance, the Nuremberg Trails were held here following the conclusion of WWII and high ranking Nazi officials were held accountable for their crimes. (More on Nuremberg here)

Nördlingen

15 million years ago a meteorite slammed into the Alb plateau, creating a 25km wide crater known as the Ries Crater, where the town of Nördlingenunknowingly was built. It wasn’t until 1960 when two American scientists discovered that the town had in fact been built within the crater, therefore making it the best preserved crater in the world! Located just a short distance from Dinkelsbühl, the town can be easily combined in a day trip. But the crater isn’t the only reason to visit, but more for the fact that like Dinkelsbühl and Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Nördlingen is also perfectly encircled by a medieval wall. A lesser known medieval gem compared to the former two, Nördlingen is still a pleasantly enjoyable visit along Deutschland’s Romantischestrasse(Romantic Road). (More on Nördlingen here)

Passau

Along the Danube, at the confluence of three rivers, you can find the postcard perfect peninsula town of Passau, one of Germany’s most significant towns to have survived WWII unscathed. Flood-prone, the “City of Three Rivers” has withstood the power of natural more than once and has a lovely little cosmopolitan feel to it. The Romans built a fort here around 80 AD and increased in importance before becoming an independent prince-bishopric in 1217, a status the town held until the secularization of Bavaria at the beginning of the 19th century. Dominating the Passau Altstadtis St. Stephan’s Cathedral, home to the world’s largest cathedral organ. Overlooking the town along the north bank of the Danube is the Veste Oberhaus, one of Europe’s largest surviving medieval fortresses which clearly offers some pretty spectacular views over the peninsula town! On the opposite side of the river, it is believed that Hitler once lived here as a child and almost drowned in the river… (More on Passau here)

Regensburg

With ancient Roman ruins scattered throughout the city, Regensburg has always played an important role in Bavarian history. By the Middle Ages, the city became a a Free Imperial State and a vital trade location along the Danube and was even the capital of Bavaria from 530 to the 13th century. In April 1809, Regensburg was the site of the Battle of Ratisbon between Napoleon and the Austrians. During the Second World War, the city was home to a Messerschmidt airplane factory which was destroyed, however, one possible reason as to why Regensburg received minimal damage was due to the thick fog which often engulfs the town, therefore its beautiful Medieval appearance managed to survive! Today, the historic city of Regensburg is the fourth largest city in Bavaria and became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006! Regensburg was also ranked among the top sites and travel attractions in Germany in 2014 and a cruise down the Danube to Walhalla or Weltenburg Abbey (Kloster Weltenburg) is a must! (More on Regensburg here)

Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Easily the most beloved fairytale towns along the Romantic Road, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the absolute best towns to visit in Bavaria. Of the three towns in Bavaria still completely encircled by medieval walls, Rothenburg ob der Tauber is by far the loveliest. The town itself managed to preserve its quaint medieval charm after dwindling to insignificance after the Thirty Years’ War, halving the town population and suffering from the plague. History would not be kind to Germany’s most popular town which Nazi ideologists deeply considered to be the epitome of a quintessential “German Home Town”. During the Second World War the adorable town fell victim to a ridiculous amount of bombing that left the town almost unrecognizable. Immediately after the war, donations from around the world flooded in to rebuild it, brick by brick and today it’s impossible to imagine the destruction. (More on Rothenburg ob der Tauber here)

Schwangau

Just a short distance from Füssen is Schwangau, the town most famous for being the home of Germany’s most iconic castle, Schloss Neuschwanstein where the Romantic Road ends amid a setting of breathtaking Alpine beauty. Though the castle is by far Germany’s most beautiful castle and is the brainchild of “Mad” King Ludwig II of Bavaria, Schwangau is blessed by yet another lesser known castle often skipped over, Schloss Hohenschwangau. To top off a visit to the small Alpine town of Schwangau, then a visit to the Museum of Bavarian Kings in a former lakeside hotel is a must! (More on Schwangau here)

Tegernsee

Backed by mountainous Alpine beauty, the lakeside village of Tegernseeis a favorite day trip from Munich for city dwellers as its easily linked by direct rail. While a visit to Tegernsee comes with an obligatory cable car ride or a bike ride around the lake in the summer, you can find one of Germany’s most beautiful Christmas Markets along the shores of the lake in the winter. The town itself, though never having played a significant role in history is a popular spa town in Bavaria. (More on Lake Tegernsee here)

Würzburg

Located in northern Bavaria, Würzburgwas first settled by Celtics around the 4th or 5th century. The first diocese was founded in 742 before eventually creating a duchy and becoming the seat of several Imperials Diets, hence the Würzburg Residenz. In 1796, Napoleon’s army fought against the Austrian Hapsburgs at the Battle of Würzburg and later became a part of the Kingdom of Bavaria in 1814. In March 1945, 90% of the city was destroyed within 17 minutes from Allied bombings, but today the city has been beautifully restored to its former glory and vineyards surround the city as it considered to be a wine capital! (More on Würzburg here)

Zugspitze

If you’re looking for some of the best places to ski in Germany, look no further than the country’s highest peak (2,963m) which is home to three glaciers and Germany’s highest biergarten! The Zugspitze massif, near Garmisch-Partenkirchen is one of the best places to visit in Bavaria in winter and in summer! During the winter, the Zugspitzplatt is a winter wonderland while the lush green scenery makes for one of the best hikes in Bavaria in summer. To enjoy a visit, take the cog wheel train to Lake Eibsee before enjoying one of the best cable car rides in Germany and enjoying spectacular views of the lake before being greeted to the Zugspitze Peak. (More on Zugspitze here)

Hopefully this list of Bavarian towns will help inspire a visit to Bavaria to both some of the most popular towns and underrated Bavarian towns. You can honestly never go wrong as there are so many wonderful places to visit in Bavaria! Bavarian destinations vary so widely from rolling hills and small towns on back roads to bustling city centers and mountainous day trips scattered with romantic castles and there is something for everyone!

If you’re looking for an itinerary with the best places to visit in Bavaria for a one week vacation to Germany, then consider this pre-made 10 day travel itinerary for Bavaria. I provide you with info on what to see, what to do and where to stay along your road trip through Bavaria!

Planning to come to the world’s greatest beer festival for a little debauchery? Is it your first time visiting Oktoberfest? Have no fear! I have you covered on everything from how to get there, where to go, what to where and other tidbits to help you survive Oktoberfest like a pro!

Planning a longer visit to Bavaria? Moving to Bavaria? Consider this list of 50+ destinations to visit within a 3 hour radius from Munich stretching between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic! You’ll never have a dull weekend and will discover some of the best places to visit in Southern Germany, both fairytale destinations, vivacious cities and outdoor activities!

Everyone’s heard of the Romantic Road but can really only name Rothenburg ob der Tauber or Schloss Neuschwanstein. I’ve got you covered for many of the best destinations to visit on the Romantic Road which stretches from Würzburg to Füssen. I share with you which towns to see and which you can skip over.

Are you a hopeless romantic? Love castles and fairytales? Then look no further than at three of the most idyllic castles in Bavaria all built by “Mad” King Ludwig II. He had quite an imagination and a love affair with Richard Wagner’s operas. By the time of his mysterious death, only the Linderhof Palace was completed while Schloss Neuschwanstein and Schloss Herrnchiemsee remained partially unfinished.

If you’re interested in visiting Germany and are looking for more information, I highly recommend using the DK Eyewitness Travel Guide! Without these guides, I would be lost! This is my travel Bible!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one and make a purchase, I might make a little extra spending money, at no extra cost to you. As always, all opinions are my own and these products/services have been found useful during our travels and come highly recommended to you from yours truly!

Germany is somewhere we just haven’t explored enough but we keep noticing cheaper flights from our local airport so I read this with great interest – I have saved it for later, for once we have some flights booked. And, I did not know Germany had ‘States’ – you learn something new every day! #citytripping

This is such a fabulous and comprehensive list! We explored some of Bavaria as a family but clearly we need to go back and see the rest! We particularly loved Mad King Ludwig’s Castles, but we only got to see two of them – Schloss Linderhof and Neuschwanstein. I agree that Hohenschwangau is a must see! Bavaria is just so picture perfect wonderful and I simply fell in love with it. We were totting 5 young kids with us and along with that came a few crazy days, such as a disastrous day at ‘The Eagles Nest’ in Berchtesgaden, so this list is a great resource for when I hopefully go back and explore more of this amazing part of the world (minus the disasters, lol). #citytripping

I’ve been looking forward to this post. For some reason, Bavaria is the part of Germany I’m most keen to visit, possibly because of the Romantic Road which I’d really love to do one day. There are so many towns in the region I’d like to explore so it’s great to get your view of the must sees. Thanks for sharing on #FarawayFiles

I’ve been having a really tough time commenting on your blog lately. I’ve tried a few different browsers… But I’ve been reading them! I love the photos in this one especially the tram over the snow, so beautiful. Keeping it short and sweet in the hopes it goes through… #farawayfiles

Wow! This is such a comprehensive list of Bavaria, I never realised there was so much more to this picturesque area. I find Bavarian history quite fascinating and can’t wait to explore it more one day, especially the romantic road, I remember reading your post and was sold! #feetdotravel

Bavaria covers a far more extensive area than I realized! This is wonderful info. We are training to Regensburg and renting a car there this summer and then exploring the area. And then on to Nuremberg, which I love. My dream is to go back and visit the smaller towns like Bamberg and Wurzburg. Pinning this for future planning (and dreaming!).

Wow! I had no idea that Bavaria has so much to see. I have only been to Munich, so I definitely need to see more, but there are so many lovely places, I need to figure out what’s next. #TheWeeklyPostcard

Some friends are heading for Germany next month, and we’ve been discussing what to see. So much of their wish list is in Bavaria, and we only thought of about half of these spots! I’ll be sure to share it with them. Thinking about our own dream trip to Bavaria, it’s becoming clear that we’ll need more time. Lots more. So much to see! This is such a great resource, Lolo. Thanks for putting it together – definitely pinning this one for later.

This post is full delightful Bavarian towns, we have visited a few of these, however, certainly not enough. We’re hoping to tour more of Germany, particularly around Bavaria next year. So this has increased out list further.

Wow, there’s just so much to see in Bavaria – these pretty towns and castles. Thanks to you Lorelei for being the Germany expert to give us wonderful information on what to see and do in these destinations 🙂 #Citytripping

Lori – you’ve gotta write a book! So much great info. here, and as always so comprehensive. I’ve only been once – to Munich, but all your fairytale pics have convinced me I need to return. #citytripping

While I’ve read lots of your Bavaria posts, putting them all in one place makes me realise just how much there is to see there. Bamberg and Mittenwald both seem like places I would want to head to first, and I guess Regensburg haha. More posts like this and I won’t be able to stay away much longer.

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Hi there! Guten Tag! My name is Lorelei, aka Lady Lolo, I’m an American expat living in Germany with a serious addiction to adorable half-timbered houses, fairy tale towns and castles. I may have an unwritten rule with my husband that at least once a month, we have to explore somewhere new to satisfy my restless feet syndrome!

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